TO ACT “NOW” TO GET THE BEST CRUISE FARES

On Tuesday, June 16, Norwegian Cruise Line launches its three-day NOW Sale for a limited time through June 19, 2009 offering unbelievable cruise deals and special booking offers for a range of popular cruise destinations including Alaska; Bermuda; Bahamas & Florida; Caribbean; Canada & New England; Mexican Riviera and South America. In addition to great cruise fares, Norwegian is offering up to $250 in on-board spending credit, fifty percent off cruise deposits and third through eighth guests from $99 per person.  Union members and those in the military are eligible to receive up to an additional ten percent savings on the cruise fare.

“With these incredible deals and additional offers, there’s never been a better time than right now to book a cruise vacation,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian’s executive vice president, global sales and passenger services.  “We encourage our guests and travel partners to take advantage of this limited time sale as we’ve made taking a cruise an even better value by reducing the deposit, lowering fares for third through eighth guests and offering an on-board credit of up to $250.”

Norwegian’s NOW sale is offered on nine of its 11 Freestyle Cruising ships from three to 29-day sailings with departures from Miami, New York, Seattle, Vancouver, Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Santiago, Chile. The deposit required at time of booking is now half off and depending on the length of the cruise ranges from just $25 to $200 per person (excluding suites and villas).  For cruises to Alaska, Caribbean, Bahamas & Florida and Canada & New England, third to eighth guests in the same stateroom are from $99 per person. For cruises to Bermuda and the Mexican Riviera, additional guests in the same stateroom are from $199 per person.

The on-board credit can be used to purchase anything from shore excursions and spa treatments; to specialty fitness classes like yoga and spinning; gifts in the duty free shop and can even be used in the casino.  The amount is based on the length of the cruise and the category of stateroom booked.  Guests who book sailings of up to five days in a Garden Villa receive $100 per stateroom in spending credit; $75 for suites; $50 for mini-suites; $40 for balcony staterooms; $20 for oceanview and $15 for inside staterooms.  For sailings of six days and longer, guests sailing in a Garden Villa receive $250 per stateroom in on-board spending credit; $150 for suites; $100 for mini-suites and deluxe balcony staterooms; $75 for balcony staterooms; $50 for oceanview and $25 for inside staterooms.

To book a sailing NOW, guests should contact their Member Concierge by calling 1-888-392-5643.

Known for its exceptional style and design, Celebrity Cruises is rolling out a series of new design schemes on Celebrity Millennium during a $10-million refresh this year, beginning during its scheduled drydock period this week.

Consistently ranked among the top 10 large ships in the world since its launch in 2000 – and so beloved by cruise enthusiasts that she’s been affectionately dubbed “Millie” in social networking venues – Celebrity Millennium will emerge May 22 from a 12-day drydock in Victoria, B.C., with new carpeting throughout the entire ship, and new upholstery embellishing every stylish stateroom, the Lido deck, the Celebrity Theatre, and the dramatic, sweeping main dining room.

All marble and stone floors and counter areas will be renewed with a gleaming finish, and all wood hand rails on the ship’s verandas and pool deck areas will be newly varnished.

Celebrity Millennium’s sun worshipers are likely to take notice of the work completed in exterior areas, too, as new bolidt – an alternative to traditional teak decking – is being installed across the pool deck, outdoor stage, dance floor and jogging track.

Every suite will be equipped with 32-inch LED flat-panel TVs, while every plush ConciergeClass stateroom will boast 26-inch versions of the high-tech product. Additionally, new drapes, bed skirts and bed throws in warm, natural hues will further enhance every suite and stateroom.

By October of this year, new upholstery also will adorn furnishings in the ship’s retail areas, the sweeping Grand Foyer, and every lounge, including Celebrity’s chic, signature Martini Bar, and all staterooms will boast 26-inch LED flat-panel TVs.

The newly-refreshed Celebrity Millennium embarks on this year’s Alaska season May 22, on a seven-night cruise roundtrip from Vancouver, B.C., prior to a series of seven-night Southbound Alaska sailings to and from Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, through September.

Travelers eager to experience the refreshed Celebrity Millennium have no better opportunity than now, with select staterooms on several Alaska sailings starting at $57 per person per day, when booked by May 31, through “The Celebrity Starring You Promise.”

Celebrity Millennium also presents the opportunity to delve deeper into Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness on unique Celebrity Cruisetour vacations. These in-depth packages pair a spectacular Celebrity cruise with a fully escorted pre- or post-cruise land-based experience, and offer unsurpassed values this spring and summer.

Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale vacation experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for four of the top 10 “Top Cruise Ships in the World” in the large-ship category, as voted by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (February 2009 readers’ poll), Celebrity’s fleet – including the new Celebrity Solstice – will be joined by Celebrity Equinox this year, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011, and a fifth in 2012. For more information, contact your Member Concierge, dial 1-888-392-5643 or visit www.topcruiseclub.com.

What kind of travel documents, visa or passport do I need?

The following regulations are currently in effect.

CRUISING - FOR U.S. AND CANADIAN CITIZENS:

Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexican Riviera, Or Canada & New England Cruises

All cruise guests must provide key personal information in advance of sailing. Top Cruise Club has made it easy for you. Go to our Online Check-In form page and click on the logo for the cruise line that you are booked on. Then follow the instructions from there. You will need to know your booking information to get started and/or your past passenger numbers.

For sailings that end by May 31, 2009, you need a valid passport, proof of citizenship and a valid government-issued photo I.D. (driver’s license with a photo), or any other WHTI compliant document. Proof of Citizenship examples include: an original or state certified copy of a U.S. or Canadian birth certificate, an original certificate of U.S. naturalization, original certificate of U.S. citizenship, or a U.S. Consular report of your birth broad.

Hawaii Cruises

Inter-island Cruising. There’s no need for a passport when you sail on any inter-island Hawaiian cruise. So if your ship never sails beyond the islands of Hawaii, all you need is a government-issued photo I.D. or a valid driver’s license with a photo.

Note: If you miss your ship at its scheduled U.S. departure port and need to travel outside the U.S. to meet your ship, or should you unexpectedly need to depart the cruise ship from a foreign port prior to the end of sailing, a passport would be required to leave or re-enter the U.S. by air.

As of June 1st, 2009:

For sailings that depart from and return to the same U.S. port, you need a valid passport, proof of citizenship and a valid government-issued photo I.D. (driver’s license with a photo), or any other WHTI compliant document. Proof of Citizenship examples include: an original or state certified copy of a U.S. or Canadian birth certificate, certificate of U.S. naturalization, original certificate of U.S. citizenship, or a U.S. Consular report of your birth abroad.

For open-jaw sailings (cruises that depart from one U.S. port and return to a different U.S. port), you are required to carry a valid passport, U.S. passport card or Enhanced Drivers License, as well as have in your possession all relative visas that pertain to your travel itinerary. Permanent residents of the U.S. are required to carry their valid ARC cards for boarding AND passport from their country of citizenship, if available.

Note: If you miss your ship at its scheduled U.S. departure port and need to travel outside the U.S. to meet your ship, or should you unexpectedly need to depart the ship from a foreign port prior to the end of sailing, a passport would be required to leave or re-enter the U.S. by air. To that end, Top Cruise Club strongly recommends all Top Cruise Club members to obtain a passport for their voyage on any cruise ship.

Europe and South America Cruises
A valid passport is required and in some cases, a tourist visa is also required.

AIR TRAVEL - FOR U.S. AND CANADIAN CITIZENS:

For all air travel into the U.S. from Canada or any other international location, you’ll need a valid passport TO travel.

AIR AND CRUISE TRAVEL - FOR ALL CITIZENS OTHER THAN U.S. OR CANADIAN:

All guests must carry a valid passport, and if necessary, a multiple entry visa is required for entry into the United States (i.e. B-2 Visitors Visa), or a visa waiver. Please be sure to check with the proper agencies and authorities (such as your local immigration office) before you sail because we can’t board you without the proper documents. Travelers from the 34 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries must have a machine-readable passport to enter the U.S. without a visa. Also, effective January 12th, 2009, all VWP travelers will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the VWP.

FOR ALL TOP CRUISE CLUB MEMBERS:

U.S. regulations pertaining to required travel documents are updated frequently. The information provided here is meant to offer some guidelines for travel, but please note that these details may not be complete. To be sure you have the latest information, check with your Member Concierge or the proper authorities (such as your local immigration office) before your cruise to make sure you have the proper documentation. Take notice, cruise refunds may not be issued if you’re denied boarding due to lack of proper documents.

It is also important that you provide us with your key personal information in advance of sailing. To do so, simply go to out Online Check-In Page and fill out the forms.

This will undoubtedly cause a backlog in getting passports as these rules take effect, so please obtain or renew your passports early. For information on obtaining or renewing a passport, visit the State Department’s web site by clicking here.

• You should avoid the rush and the possibility of not being able to travel where you wish without a passport.
• A passport can open the doors to travel you may not have considered before, such as cruising in Europe, South America, Australia and Asia.
• Passports are valid for ten years and if you are a frequent cruiser or a frequent traveler, the initial price of that passport ($97 for a new passport and $67 for a renewal) is amortized over time.

Last Minute Passports

For those of you who need to get a passport FAST, or just don’t feel like fighting the lines. This company is an expert at providing expedited Passport service, and has been featured on MSNBC and Forbes. They also feature the lowest prices you can find anywhere online, starting at only $99 and up.

Click here for your passport application

Non-U.S. Citizens

You will need a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. If you live in the U.S., you will also need the original copy of your Alien Registration Card (ARC or “Green Card”) and any other documentation the countries on your itinerary require due to your alien status.

Canadian Landed Immigrants

All Canadian Landed Immigrants (inclusive of those who are citizens of the British Commonwealth countries) who reside in Canada must have valid passports and US visas. Also required is the original copy of your Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) formally the IMM 1000 or with respect to any country on the itinerary any other travel documentation required because of alien status.

Visas

Please contact the Embassy (Consular Services) of each country on your sailing itinerary or the visa service of your choice for specific visa requirements, information, forms and fees for your nationality.

VISA WAIVER PROGRAM

Guest Citizens from the Visa Waiver Program countries of: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunel, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom seeking to enter the United States will be required to have in their possession a machine readable, biometic passport with a digital photograph valid for the duration of the voyage.

A machine readable passport is one having an alpha-numeric code on the bottom of the picture page. Example:

P<<UKDOE<<JOHN<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<1234567890M1234567890M1234567890<1234567890

My wife and I were in Copenhagen the day before our Princess cruise of the Baltic when we got a mad urge for a McDonalds burger and fries.  Not very Danish I know.  But that’s what we wanted.  Well, two burgers, two drinks and fries ran us about $30.  So here’s my member tip…until the U.S. Dollar comes back, eat as many meals on board as possible.  We found that a late breakfast on board could hold us over until dinner with maybe just a snack ashore And thank you’re lucky stars you’re not paying for European hotel rooms.

A. Duffy.  Perth Amboy, New Jersey

Royal Caribbean Cruises has temporarily suspending its port calls in Mexico for both its Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara brands. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has four ships currently making regularly scheduled port calls in Mexico - Enchantment of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas.

Two additional Royal Caribbean International ships were scheduled to make upcoming Mexican port calls as they repositioned - Serenade of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas.

Celebrity Cruises had one ship scheduled to make upcoming Mexico port calls as it repositions - Celebrity Infinity.

All but one of the affected ships will either make alternative port calls or spend additional time at sea. Royal Caribbean International’s Mariner of the Seas will sail a fully revised itinerary, visiting Canada and the U.S. West Coast. For the most up to date information from Royal Caribbean on the Swine Flu click here.

Carnival Cruise Lines has made several changes as well. They have actually made it easy to see the most recent changes. Click on this link to view the most updated changes regarding traveling to Mexico. So far the Carnival Ectasy, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Legend,  Carnival Conquest, Carnival Valor, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Imagination, and the Carnival Splendor have all had changes to their itineraries. Most have either been moved from Mexican ports of call to Fun Days at Sea, Key West, Nassau, or San Francisco. For the most updated advisory from Carnival Cruise Lines go here - Carnival Travel Advisory.

Norwegian Cruise Lines released a press release on April 28, 2009 stating that they are closely monitoring the health advisories regarding the current Swine Influenza. They also listed the changes taking place with the itineraries sailing to ports of call in Mexico.

NCL cancelled the Norwegian Pearl’s final two calls in Mexico on its current repositioning cruise. The stops were scheduled for today, Wednesday, April 29 and Friday, May 1, 2009. Instead, the ship will call on San Diego, California, on Saturday, May 2. Apart from this sailing, Norwegian Cruise Line’s scheduled deployment does not include any other ports of call in Mexico until the end of September 2009

The cruise lines have all implemented and carry stringent protocols for cleaning and sanitation on all their vessels to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. In addition, they are taking proactive precautionary measures to protect their valued guests, including, but not limited to, fleet-wide guest screenings via a health questionnaire prior to embarkation and on-board education regarding Swine Flu symptoms and preventative actions. As a result, the cruise lines do not anticipate that its guests’ cruise experience will be impacted.

Furthermore, the cruise lines on-board medical centers are stocking an appropriate amount of the anti-viral medication used to treat the illness, in the unlikely event the need for its use becomes necessary.

As the cruise lines as well as the CDC continue to issue updates, we will make sure to post the most recent updates. The temporary suspension will be regularly reviewed in light of any developments.

Did you know while you are onboard your cruise vacation you can put a small refundable deposit down for your next sailing and receive up to $200 per stateroom of onboard credit?   It’s a way most of the cruise lines say thank you.

Guests that know they want to sail to the many incredible destinations or merely sit on their balcony and watch the sun set over the ocean, have a great advantage over those not in the know.  Depending on the cruise line, the deposit holds for years or forever until you decide where and when you want to sail. But it does also hold the opportunity to receive onboard credit of up to $200 depending on the length of your vacation.

Now YOU are in the know!  While on your cruise, stop by the cruise lines specialty desk (or ask at guest relations desk) to sign up for this WIN WIN opportunity.  You will thank yourselves when you board your next cruise!

Margie Settler - margie@topcruiseclub.com

Cruise Editor with Top Cruise Club

Access America Pro Seller Series

–Maria F. Baltimore, MD

To ensure that cruise passengers will want to cruise again, cruise lines have developed numerous activities to enjoy. However, since it would take a novel to describe the different activities there are to do, I have decided to list the most common. Each cruise line has activities that are signature to their ships, but the activities I am about to list can be found on almost any cruise line.

Lounging by the pool: The most common thing that passengers do while days at sea. Lounge on one of the many lounge chairs. Swim in the sea water pools, or relax in the many whirlpools onboard your cruise. Also, the cruise director usually hosts many pool side games during the day. Games can include the Best Belly Flop Contest, Hairiest Back Contest, Best Dance Moves Contest, and more. Also there is usually a live band on deck to entertain passengers while they sip from their Pina Coladas at the pool side bar.

Some cruise lines have become very innovative when it comes to pool side activities. For example, onboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, they have a surf simulator called “FlowRider” where you can surf. There are also water slides, which are very popular onboard Carnival Cruise Lines.

Dance Classes: Whether it is salsa, swing dancing, or line dancing, cruise lines have dance classes for passengers to enjoy. If there are dance classes they will be listed in the cruise line’s daily itinerary that is delivered to your stateroom every day.

Shows: Many of the Broadway-like shows that cruise lines have onboard usually take place during the evening times. However, there are also other shows that can take place during the day. One of the most common shows is the rendition of the Newly Wed Show. The cruise director will choose couples in the audience to bring on stage to play the Newly Wed Game Show. They ask fun, embarrassing questions to each spouse in hopes that their partner will guess their answers. It is very entertaining, and funny. I definitely suggest going to this show.

Trivia Games: Especially true for the larger cruise lines, they will host a variety of different trivia games that take place in certain lounges on the ship. Trivia can range from sports knowledge, to history, all the way to pop culture. To find out times for trivia games check your daily itinerary that the cruise line provides.

Casino/Bingo: The casino is always open during the day, especially on days at sea. Hit the blackjack tables, or the slot machines to try and win some extra money. Also, there are a few different times when the cruise will host a Bingo game. Check your itinerary for Bingo.

Spa/Fitness Center: Enjoy a relaxing massage or a few mile run, while cruising the vast ocean. The spa onboard a cruise ship is always open during days at sea. However, this time is the most popular among passengers. So for you to enjoy a massage during a day at sea make sure you reserve a spot the first day of your cruise vacation. Also, the fitness center onboard is open with many cardio and weight machines to choose from. If you want to burn some of the calories that have been adding up from the fabulous dinners onboard, I would suggest taking a few hours to hit the gym.

Shopping: Onboard your cruise ship there is a designated area with little cruise shops. There are jewelry shops, clothes shops, perfume/make up shops and more. If you are feeling the shopping bug during your days at sea, I would suggest checking out the shops. And the best part about shopping onboard is there are no taxes.

Children/Teen programs: Cruise lines make sure that everyone has activities to do while onboard. For children and teens, cruise lines have developed amazing programs. Within these programs, your children can enjoy scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, as well as pool side activities, dance lessons and so much more. It gives the parents some free time to enjoy each other, while their children experience some independence.

Eating!: Ok, so this isn’t really an activity, but definitely takes some time out of your day. There are buffets available to passengers through out the day, as well as sit down meals. If you choose to eat breakfast and lunch within the main dining facilities you will not have to pay for your meals. However, with the many specialty restaurants popping up onboard cruise lines, now passengers can have cuisines catered to particular wants. If you want to reserve a sit down meal at a specialty restaurant you will have to pay extra.

Relax and explore the ship: The cruise ship is your home during your vacation. So why not get to know the ins and outs of your home? Take a stroll on the decks to discover the many lounge rooms available, or the sports activities happening on the outside decks. Lounge around and enjoy a good book, or a nice conversation with another passenger.

Art Auction: Art auctions take place a few times during your cruise vacation. Usually the cruise line will provide those who attend with free bubbly, so why not check it out? I am a lover of art, so I always enjoy browsing the featured collections. Check your daily itinerary to find out the times.

Even though these are the most common activities found on your next cruise vacation, that doesn’t mean these are the only activities. Everyday, cruise lines are coming up with more and more innovative ways to keep their passengers entertained. On some of the larger ships guest can enjoy ice skating shows, boxing matches, as well as inline skating activities. Please contact a Member Concierge to find out more information about onboard activities.

About Top Cruise Club

Top Cruise Club is an online community of avid and new cruisers who have come together to maximize their cruising experience. We provide you with the latest cruise news, ship reviews, information about popular destinations, and exceptional cruise value. You can also book your next cruise online or on the phone through your own Member Concierge. Top Cruise Clubs provides its members with all their cruising needs. Join Top Cruise Club’s free membership program, which provides you with an array of benefits, like FREE travel insurance. Click here to join now!

To book your next cruise vacation, please contact our toll free number 1-888-392-5643.

]]> http://www.topcruiseclub.com/cruising-editorials/activites-to-do-onboard-your-next-cruise-vacation/feed http://www.topcruiseclub.com/cruise-line-news/silversea-cruise-line/the-silversea%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9csilver-shadow%e2%80%9d-should-be-called-%e2%80%9cthe-golden-star%e2%80%9d http://www.topcruiseclub.com/cruise-line-news/silversea-cruise-line/the-silversea%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9csilver-shadow%e2%80%9d-should-be-called-%e2%80%9cthe-golden-star%e2%80%9d#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:20:39 +0000 admin http://www.topcruiseclub.com/?p=3842 Where do I begin?  Alas, I was one of the few privileged to be invited on board the Silversea’s Silver Shadow last week.  You see, whereas most guests arrive for a journey beyond the realm of excellence, I was there to experience the fine cuisine for a luncheon and tour of the ship.  Within the first 5 seconds, I knew I had gone to heaven.  Upon walking into the lobby where live classical music was my welcoming aboard, I knew instantly on the 6^th second that I had to figure out how I could possibly become a permanent stowaway!!!

The Silversea’s Silver Shadow offers only the finest of everything one could dream of before they die.  As Silversea’s states, “Silversea’s impeccable standards apply to every detail of your voyage”. With only 382 guests and 295 in staff, there is 1 staff member to every 1.3 guests.  If I was about to sneeze, there is no question a staff member would have a tissue ready to hand me before the “a-choo” even happened.

Silversea’s Silver Shadow is an experience that one can use every adjective and still not give due justice.  Not only are the finer things in life the norm, but the lifestyle on board is incomparable to any other cruise experience.  The exceptional personalized service and attention given to every guest, over sized all-suite accommodations, world class five star cuisine,  remote ports-of-call, level of hospitality, elegance in décor and choices of whatever your heart desires …….sheer luxury!!

The Silver Shadow has an array of offerings that would make anyone think seriously about living permanently on board.  It partners with only 5 star companies to give exclusivities one would think can be experienced only at the grandest of hotels around the world.   Relais & Chateaux creates the menus for dining. As part of the Culinary Arts Voyages, R & C member chefs are on board preparing the signature dishes of La Collection du Monde.  “The Humidor” by “Davidoff” offers the finest cigars, exceptional cognacs, fine Armagnac, Grappa and rare vintage ports all in a stately wood detailed setting with oversized leather chairs.  ”The Bar”, where guests congregate prior to and post dining, offers hot and cold hors d’oeuvres… DIVINE!!! Acqua Di Parma offers exquisite fragrances, soaps, lotions and shampoos… all complimentary in your suite. The Italian Factory decorates the walls with the most sought after artwork from around the world. Selected pieces are available for purchase.  Lavazza, with more then 100 years of experience, offers the finest coffee for your pleasure. Loro Piana, in business for 6 generations, is known throughout the world as the ultimate in Italian luxury cashmere. Known for the selection of knitwear, sportswear and elegant accessories for both men and women, it is now in stores on board the Silver Shadow.  For those wanting another bauble, H. Stern Jewelers offers unique jewels for the discerning guests on board the Silver Shadow.

Of course you could stay in your luxurious suite and have your meals served 24 hours a day.  You will be served on the finest linen, with crystal and fine china elegantly set up for your pleasure. Depending on the time of day, selections as close as possible to those offered in the “Restaurant”, (main dining room) are served as elegantly.

In all of the dining venues, alcoholic beverages and wines are included with all meals.  The complimentary wines are selected by the head wine sommelier and are all of the highest quality. If for some reason, you want to upgrade to a specific wine, you can request to see the Epicurean Wine List. A charge may be added to your account but rest assured, the selection of wines offered complimentary, will satisfy even the most knowledgeable wine connoisseur.

Dining options include The Restaurant, which is actually the main dining room. There is open seating with your choice of dining alone or with whomever you wish to be with.  Classical and modern French Cuisine served with the finest ingredients make you wonder how you could ever go back home to your local restaurant. There are evenings where the orchestra provides music for dancing. Signatures dishes are created exclusively in partnership with Relais & Chateaux.

Le Champagne, which is the ONLY Wine restaurant at sea (created by Relais & Chateaux) is a one of a kind experience on board the Silver Shadow. An extraordinary six course dining experience along with the world’s most distinguished wines from well known wine regions is what makes this a once in a lifetime must. There is a cover charge per guest which is added to your shipboard account. Tip: Take advantage of this experience not at the $50 surcharge, the $200 one is worth every penny. It will be a memorable one with no limits on any vintage.

La Terrazza is al fresco dining for breakfast, lunch or by reservation dinner with the best selections of Italian cuisine.

Poolside there is the Grill offering American Cuisine. Also available is Cruise Lite dining for those desiring low carb meals, vegetarian courses or special requests.

There are so many fine touches that one could get use to very easily. Piano recitals, jazz and cabaret evenings in “The Bar,” folkloric shows that complement the wines and cultures experienced on your voyage to the remote ports of call.  Each evening “The Bar” and the “Panoramic Lounge” offer dancing to every style of dancing imaginable. If you want ballroom, you’ve got it. If you prefer rock and roll, your wish is their command!   There are wonderful show time productions as well as musical concerts in the Show Lounge. There are Moonlight Movies shown on the pool deck and of course a Casino for those that like to dabble in the excitement of chance.  Spa and fitness is another way to indulge in high end luxury with more variations on unique spa treatments then I can count. Let’s see…. hmm, an Indian Scalp Massage, the Ultimate Indulgence with two therapists working in unison on your beloved body and a Balinese Bliss for Two. If you stood on your head I am quite sure someone would massage your toes!  The Fitness Center has an aquaswim pool where guests can actually swim against the tide!  What is absolutely the most rewarding of all are the regionally specific lectures by noted historians, ambassadors, state leaders, authors and geographers. Wine experts along with guest chefs are part of the Culinary Arts and Wine Series on special cruises.  Are you ready to book your voyage?  Can I go as your luggage?

There are Golf Voyages on the Silver Shadow with privileged access to world-class golf courses. No need to bring your golf clubs as Silversea’s provides the finest Nike clubs.  These are professional guided optional group excursions that include VIP tee times, carts, caddies where available, green fees and transfers. Private lessons are also offered with the state of the art “V1″ digital coaching system.

Customized shore excursions for guests that would prefer to create their own agenda are not a problem for the professionals that coordinate this all for you.

I can go on but if I have peaked your interests, feel free to contact me or one of the Member Concierges at Top Cruise Club for the in-depth all inclusive amenities.

The Accommodations… GOODNESS, GRACIOUS, GREAT BALLS OF FIRE!!!!

ALL SUITES!! YIKES!! ALL WALK-IN CLOSETS!!  YIKES AGAIN!! ALL HAVE SITTING AREAS AND WRITING DESKS WITH PERSONALIZED STATIONARY!! ALL TOGETHER NOW… YIKES!!!  80% HAVE FURNISHED TEAK VERANDAS…ALL HAVE VERANDAS WITH ONLY 8 VISTA STATEROOMS SHARING A COMMON BALCONY.  FOR THE LADIES, GREAT LIGHTING AND FULL LENGTH MIRRORS IN ALL STATE ROOMS ARE STANDARD.  MARBLED BATHROOMS WITH BATHTUBS ARE ALSO STANDARD IN ALL STATE ROOMS.  EUROPEAN BATH AMENITIES SUCH AS BVLGARI AND FRETTE ARE NOT UNCOMMON.

I could go on but I need to go to sleep before the sun rises!

I will tell you this: The smallest stateroom is 287 square feet, twice the size of a balcony cabin on the mega ships.  Next is 345 sq. ft. with a 60 sq. ft. veranda. Then we have 521 sq. ft. with an 81 sq. ft. veranda. Oh my, the next is a mere 653 to 701 sq. ft. with verandas ranging in size from 107 sq. ft. to 123 sq. ft. The Royal Suite is 1,312 sq. ft with the veranda 170-176 sq. ft. Then there is the Grand Suite ranging from 1,286 to 1, 435 sq. ft with the veranda coming in at 163-176 sq. ft. Last we have the Owners Suite at 1, 264 sq. ft. with a 280 sq. ft. verandah. Did you hear me? 280 square foot veranda!!!  With a number of suite categories including complimentary butler and laundry service throughout the voyage. Along with that comes a multiple controlled TV/DVD/VCR with complimentary in suite movie channels and DVD’S, Bang & Olufsen or Nakamuchi 3-Cd stereo, Plasma TV, Jacuzzi etc. Didn’t I say in the beginning it is not so outlandish to think about living permanently on board this ship? P.S. If you pack me in your suitcase, I’ll let you know that the best suites are on deck seven and they go fast!

Gratuities included, I would imagine you realize this is a given. Transportation into the remote towns is complimentary in most ports. Forgot to bring your eye glasses into the dining room?  Extra pairs are at your service before you finish asking your devoted waiter.

Okay, I am now thoroughly depressed that all I had was lunch and a ship tour while those of you that are going to book this ship ( 60% of the international guests that cruise with  Silversea’s rebooks their next cruise while on board) will actually experience this glorious gold star of excellence, The Silversea’s Silver Shadow.  Think of me once in a while… PLEASE!!!

Below is a brief glimpse of what you will experience when on board the magnificent Silver Shadow.

Margery Settler - Top Cruise Club - Cruise Editor

Margery Settler - Top Cruise Club - Cruise Editor